Inconsistent methodology and poor reporting of steps for quality improvement in studies on improving antibiotic prophylaxis compliance to curb surgical site infections are major contributors to slow progress in reducing SSIs, according to an article in the American College of Surgeons.
Researchers examined nearly 50 articles on antibiotic prophylaxis timing, type or effectiveness in reducing SSIs, 93 percent of which recorded improvements in antibiotic compliance and 65 percent of which recorded a decrease in SSIs as a result of the tested intervention.
However, few studies had attempted to minimize bias, and less than a third of studies detailed adoption, generalizability or implementation barriers associated with the intervention. Eighty percent of studies used two or more interventions, so no single intervention was associated with changes in compliance.
Researchers suggested more specificity in methodology and better reporting of factors influencing intervention success are needed to improve progress in decreasing SSIs.
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